We’ve spoken before on the subject of talent – the genetic predisposition to be inherently imbued with a certain prowess regarded by our fellows as laudable or enviable – versus the sculpted success imparted from teaching. Are artistic geniuses made or born? This is the kind of topic my husband and I could spend many a late night hour picking apart in ridiculous detail (and inevitably end the discussion on a completely unrelated – possibly morally ambiguous – subject); but, regardless of the philosophy, Louisville will very soon play host to a great forum of wordsmiths all convening in our fair city for a celebration of the craft. Spalding University will kick off its 11th annual Festival of Contemporary Writing this Saturday, May 19th in partnership with its Master of Fine Arts in Writing program.

The festival, the largest reading series of its kind in the state, will run through Friday, May 25th and will spotlight the work and writing of countless poets, playwrights, novelists, essayist and screenwriters. Many of the featured writers in this year’s sessions will include Spalding University faculty as well as alumni of Spalding’s MFA in Writing program, with presentations of recently published works scheduled for both Sunday, May 20th and Friday, May 25th, respectively. Spalding will also be proud to host The Diana M. Raab Distinguished Writer in Residence, Jacqueline Woodson, as she engages in a reading and signing of her book, Hush, at 6:15pm, Thursday, May 24th. All festival events are free, ticketless and open to the public (this would include the passionate and amateur genius-in-the-making); sessions will be held at Spalding’s Egan Leadership Center Lectorium, Spalding’s Auditorium and at the Brown Hotel as noted.

With almost 40 literary names to drop and a plethora of genres to enjoy, Spalding University’s Festival of Contemporary Writing shines a spotlight on the major talents swirling in today’s national bookish circles – talent perhaps both learned and loaned from nature. Clear up some time this coming week to head downtown and hear some words plucked from this year’s largest gathering of active wordsmiths.

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I'm a Louisville native who transplanted home from Las Vegas recently. Don't ask.
In my spare time I read a lot of books and drink gin.
My soulmate is my 1994 turquoise Ford Ranger - they never made a finer truck.
I still totally believe in the Loch Ness Monster. I just want to write for you.